OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR ENGINEERING

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5CHAPTER eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering 45

INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
AND HEALTH LEGISLATION

Introduction

The most common safety plan implemented for emergency preparedness is safety plan. This
chapter explains the concept of fire and classes of fire. The fire safety planning that includes
fire control and protection methods, in addition to escape route, emergency evacuation plan
and assembly point are also discussed in this chapter.

5.1 Basic of Fire

Fire a process in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically
give out bright light, heat, and smoke; combustion or burning. Fire could turn out to be in a
large and destructive form that threatens life and properties, which has a potential to cause
physical damage throughout burning. Fire is a chemical reaction involving the rapid oxidation
or burning of a fuel. It requires three elements to occur shown in Figure 5.1.

Figure 5.1 Three elements of Fire

5.1.1 Concept of Fire Triangle

Oxygen, heat, and fuel are needed to ignite fire. A fire naturally occurs when these elements
are present and combined in the right mixture. Table 5.1 describe the elements in fire.

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Table 5.1 Elements of Fire Description

Element Description

This represents air which is available everywhere. At least 16% of oxygen is
needed to sustain fire.

Necessary energy needed to increase fuel temperature to a point where
vapours are given off for ignition to occur.

Any combustible materials in any state of matter – such as solid, liquid, or gas
such as wood, paper, methanol, gasoline, or petrol.

By taking out any of these elements, fire cannot occur, or it will be extinguished if it has
already begun to burn. The fire triangle or combustion triangle is a model used to understand
the elements of fire and how to extinguish it as shown in Figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2 Fire Triangle

Smothering is the process of depriving the fire of the oxygen needed to sustain the
combustion process.
Cooling is depriving the fire of heat, for example by applying a substance such as water
that will absorb heat from the fire and reduce the temperature below the critical level
needed to sustain the fire.
Starvation is the process of depriving the fire of fuel.

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5.1.2 Classes of Fire

Fire is classified based on the sources of materials (fuel) that produces the fire. There are
different methods that could be used to eliminate fire. It is very important to identify the
types of fire to determine the proper methods in extinguishing them. Using the wrong method
would not extinguish the fire, worse it could turn into a major disaster. Table 5.2 explains the
classes of fire and types of extinguishers to be used to eliminate it.

Table 5.2 Classes of Fire and Extinguisher

Class Description Extinguishers

Flammable solid materials such as wood, Carbon dioxide (limited)
paper, or textiles. Dry powder
Foam
Flammable liquids materials such as petrol, Water
diesel, or oils.
Carbon dioxide
Dry powder
Foam

Flammable gases such as methane, acetylene, Carbon dioxide (limited)
propane, or butane. Dry powder

Metals such as lithium, aluminium, Special dry powder
magnesium, and titanium

Live electrical apparatus such as equipment Carbon dioxide
(motors, transformers), appliances Dry powder
(television) or socket

Kitchen fires involving cooking media such as Carbon dioxide (limited)
cooking oils or fats, Dry powder (limited)
Foam (limited)

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5.2 Fire Safety Planning

It is essential for any organization develop fire safety plan to ensure all fire safety systems and
procedures are complete and could be activated in any case of fire emergency. Each division
and unit in an organization must carry out their roles to ensure the success of the fire safety
plan that has been developed. Fire safety management strategy can be divided into five
sections:

1. Fire system maintenance
This division is responsible to inspect the standard regulations and check the fire system
compliance to the law. There are two main laws used for building fire safety in Malaysia:
Uniform By-Law 1984: Part VII: Fire Requirements, Part VIII: Fire Alarm, Fire Detection,
Fire Extinguishment and Fire Fighting
Fire Services Act, 1988
The fire system maintenance division also assess the fire system’s condition and conduct
corrective maintenance (upgrade or repair) should there be fault detected.

2. Fire warden management
This division functions as the coordinator for fire safety training, fire extinguisher
placement, and validation for inspection by local district Fire Department, fire safety
awareness programs and fire safety training (such as fire drills).

3. Fire evacuation drill
Fire evacuation drills is conducted by this division. They must observe each evacuation
drills and evaluate the effectiveness of the Fire Emergency Response Plan. Any flaw
detected must be corrected to ensure the plan is effective and efficient.

4. Fire safety inspection and audit
All emergency planning systems is audited by this division every quarter to ensure the
systems are always functional. This division also conducts fire safety hazard risk
assessment to identify all fire hazard. Hazards controls are then discussed with fire system

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maintenance and fire warden management division. They are also entrusted in keeping
all maintenance records and fire safety housekeeping.

5. Building and design alterations
The design documentation and handover certification of the building are maintained by
the building and design alterations division. Any alteration of the building must be made
known with all the safety precautions taken into consideration.

5.2.1 Fire Safety Plan

The organization can work towards implementing the fire safety management strategy once
it has been set up. Figure 5.3 lists the eight steps should be taken to implement a fire safety
program.

1 • Develop a statement of intent
2 • Develop a fire safety task force committee
3 • Assess all fire hazards (materials, procedure and building design)
4 • Identify fire hazard controls
5 • Develop safety procedures for fire hazard control
6 • Develop a fire emergency exit and evacuation plan
7 • Training/fire drill
8 • Evaluation/Audit/Report

Figure 5.3 Eight Steps of Fire Safety Program

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5.2.2 Fire Control Method

There are four steps of control to reduce fire risks as described in Figure 5.4

• Identify fire hazard
1 • presence of ignition sources and fuel

• Assess the risks posed by the hazard identified
2 • determine the hazards needs the most urgent attention

• Put measures in place to control the risks
3 • hierarchy of control is a useful tool to be used

• Monitor the hazards and review the controls
4 • ensure that the controls are minimising the risks effectively

Figure 5. Eight Steps of Fire Safety Program

5.2.3 Fire Protection Method

Active and passive fire protection system are the specific forms of fire protection for a
building.

1. Active Fire Protection System
This system includes alarms suppression, extinguishers, sprinklers, and extract ventilation,
depending on the operation of mechanical device.
The aim is to extinguish fire by:
Early fire detection and building evacuation
Alerting emergency services at an early stage of fire
Movement of smoke and fire control
Suppressing and/or starving fire of oxygen and fuel

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2. Passive Fire Protection System
This system includes fire rated doors, barriers, ceilings, and structural fire protection, and
do not rely on the operation of any form of mechanical device.
The aim is to contain fire by:

Preventing the fire and smoke from spreading from one compartment to another by
using fire rated partitions and doors.
Delaying the growth of fire to delay the collapse of the building, structure.

5.3 Escape Route

OSHA defines an emergency exit route as a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel
from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. Emergency escape route are important
because they provide a clear, safe way to evacuate a building in case of a crisis or disaster.
First responders such as fire or police may also utilize emergency exits to enter a building
during a disaster or crisis. Identifying and maintaining emergency exits and emergency exit
routes are an important part of emergency evacuation plan.

5.3.1 Emergency Evacuation Plan

Emergency evacuation plan is a written document which includes the action to be taken by
all employees or any person in the building in the event of fire and the arrangements for
calling the fire department. Any relevant information in relation to fire safety is included in
the plan. The emergency evacuation plan is placed in areas where employees and relevant
persons can read it and become familiar with its contents. Figure 5.4 shows an example of fire
evacuation plan of a school.

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Figure 5.4 School Fire Evacuation Plan

5.3.2 Assembly Point

Assembly point is defined as a location designated as the place for a group to meet or for
people to gather in an emergency. One of the crucial elements of any evacuation plan is
determining an assembly point at which all evacuating persons will gather once they have
exited the building. The five basic ways to determine assembly points are:
1. Space and access

A safe, open space located outside the building that is large enough to accommodate all
persons concerned (occupants/employee/visitors). The area should be reachable, well-lit,
and identified with signposts.
2. Distance
The distance of the assembly point should be more than the height of the building in case
the building collapses.

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3. Location
The area should not obstruct traffic or emergency services that are trying to perform
rescue.

4. Mobility of the occupants
The mobility capabilities of people to be evacuated during emergency must be considered
especially those concerned with disabilities issue.

5. x
In the event of the main assembly point could not be accommodated, it is essential to
have a back-up emergency area.

All the persons concerned must be provided with adequate information, instruction, and
training on how to act during an emergency. Visitors must be given safety briefing to the
premise.

Sample Questions

1. State the THREE (3) elements that are essential for fire to occur.
2. Explain the THREE (3) method of extinguishing the elements of fire.
3. Explain fire management strategy.
4. Describe active and passive fire protection system.
5. Discuss the FIVE (5) basic ways to determine assembly points.

CHAPTER 654 eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTS
AND ERGONOMICS

Introduction

A quality workplace environment is essential to keep the employees completing their tasks
and working efficiently. This chapter discusses workplace environment, safety of the
environment and workplace health risks. The workplace ergonomics is also included in this
chapter.

6.1 Workplace Environment

The term workplace environment is used to describe the surrounding conditions in which an
employee work. This environment is the setting, social features, and physical conditions in
which job is performed. These elements can impact feelings of wellbeing, workplace
relationships, collaboration, efficiency, and employee health. Several significant aspects of a
work environment are physical environment, organization culture, and working conditions.

6.1.1 Safety of the Environment

A safe workplace environment is one in which all possible practical action has been taken to
make the workplace safe for every employee. There are four factors needed to be considered
for a healthy working environment:

1. Indoor Air Quality and Respiratory Level
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term referring to the air quality within and around buildings
and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
Indoor air quality can be defined as the totality of attributes of indoor air that affect a
person's health and well-being. IAQ is linked to sick building syndrome (SBS), health
effects due to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), building related illnesses (BRI) and

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Legionnaire’s disease. Poor IAQ can cause various health problems such as allergic
reactions, respiratory problems, eye irritation, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. It is
critical to administer eco-friendly innovations upholding air quality measures to neutralize
dust allergens, toxic chemicals fumes, and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Respiratory protection is of great importance when handling chemical substances since
inhalation is the main route of entry into the body for the substances. As respiration is a
vital process of the body, protection of the respiratory system against the entry of harmful
dust, fumes, mists, vapours, and gases is crucial.

2. Lighting and Sightedness
There must be sufficient light in the workplace to ensure the safety and health of every
employee. The lighting in the workplace should enable employees to comfortably see
what they need to do their tasks. Good lighting also creates a pleasant atmosphere and
gives employees a sense of well-being thus improving productivity and efficiency. It is hard
for employees to see in poor lighting, and this can lead to visual fatigue and discomfort.
Symptoms like eyestrain, migraine and headaches are usually the effects of poor lighting
at workplace. It can also represent a significant cost to business in the form of time off
work because of accidents and injuries, increased absenteeism and can reduced staff
efficiency and productivity.
According to Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Lighting at Workplace
2018, the level and type of lighting needed for safety in working areas depends on:
The type of work being carried out or effectively reveals the task;
The hazard associated with it; and
Safe and comfortable visual working environment

3. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity are amongst the determinants of comfort in workplace
environment. Poor temperature and humidity levels can have an adverse effect on
employee health. High or low humidity levels can lead to skin or respiratory conditions.
Employees who are physically uncomfortable due to high or low temperatures may have
difficulty concentrating or maintaining productivity. Temperature and humidity can affect

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the air quality within a workspace as well. Ideally, the temperature in a workplace will
achieve thermal comfort for most employees by providing heating or cooling within a set
temperature range. Humidity should be maintained in a range from 40 to 70 percent to
avoid dry or oversaturated conditions.

4. Noise and Hearing
Permanent hearing loss is one of the effects of excessive exposure to workplace noise.
Short term exposure can also lead to tinnitus, a permanent or semi-permanent condition
where sufferers hear a persistent ringing in their ears. another side effect of excessive
noise is physical and psychological stress. It can decrease employee productivity,
communication, and focus. It can also lead to increased workplace accidents and injuries
as workers fail to hear warning signals. The effects of permanent hearing loss can be life-
altering, severely impairing the ability to communicate.
The sound intensity or degree of loudness is measured in decibel (dB). For VDU work, the
recommended ambient noise level is between 40 dB to 60 dB (quiet office). The Guidelines
for Control of Occupational Noise, 2005 states that specific actions need to be taken if the
daily or weekly level of noise exposure and the peak sound pressure exceeded 87 dB and
140 dB respectively.

6.2 Workplace Health

Work is important for health, wellbeing, and social life but in many industries, the work that
is being performed, the substances and situations that are being exposed to could harm one’s
health. It is essential to identify potential health risks that could threaten the workplace
health.

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6.2.1 Workplace Health Risks

All workplace presents risks, some more than others. Risk assessment procedures must be
carried out to enable preventive measures to ensure the safety of employees. Recognizing
the problem, acknowledging the issues, deciding the actions, and turning solutions into
practice are the steps to control potential risks. The following are a few of health risks that
could arise in a workplace.

1. Segmental Vibration
Segmental vibration refers to a physical condition affecting parts of the body, usually the
hands and arms, involving repeated exposure to, and manipulation of, mechanical
equipment that produces oscillatory force against sensory nerves and capillary vessels.
This potentially leads to circulatory and neurological damage. Manual labour positions
often employ powered tools incorporating pneumatic or vibratory pressure as its primary
function during use such as drills and chainsaws, which can, in effect, impose damaging
conditions to the hands and arms exposed to uncomfortable sensations over an extended
length of time. The resulting damage can include insensitivity to touch, Raynaud’s
phenomenon, also referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome, and white finger disease,
which affects blood vessel circulation aggravated by cold exposure.

2. Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs when the body cannot get rid of excess heat. The body's core
temperature rises, and the heart rate increases when it is unable to remove excess heat.
A person begins to lose concentration and has difficulty focusing on a task, may become
irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to drink as the body continues to store heat. If
the person is not cooled down, it would often lead to fainting and even death. Factors
that contribute to heat stress are high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high
humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, and strenuous physical activities.

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3. Cold Stress
Cold stress is one of the most severe dangers of extreme cold. Cold stress occurs when
the skin temperature, and eventually, internal body temperature, plummets. It is essential
to pay attention to the wind chill temperature as air temperature, humidity, and wind can
all be factors in causing cold stress. Permanent tissue damage, and even death, can occur
when employees cannot warm themselves, and no effort were made to raise body
temperature. In its earliest stages, cold stress causes shivering and tingling or numbness
in the extremities. Cold stress may cause impaired coordination and extreme shivering as
it worsens. At its worst, cold stress can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot, a
condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold and dampness. Risk factors for cold stress
are extremely high for employees who must work outside or work in poorly insulated
areas without heat.
Additional risk factors include:
High winds
Rapidly dropping temperatures
Working in regions where it usually is warm but becomes suddenly cold
Wetness or dampness
Improper attire (not dressing for the weather conditions)
Exhaustion
Health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
Poor physical conditioning

4. Whole Body Vibration
Whole body vibration (WBV) is the exposure of a person's entire body to vibration.
Vibrations move an object or person back and forth in small quick motions. In the
workplace setting, riding a vehicle, operating heavy machinery, or handling a power tool
usually triggered this motion. Exposure to whole body vibration may occur through the
feet or buttocks when standing or sitting in a moving vehicle. Leaning against working
machinery or bracing a piece of power equipment against the body may also expose a
person WBV. Exposure to WVB has been associated with injury or harm to the circulatory,
digestive, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Whole body vibration can be
reduced with the use of proper equipment and work practices. Vehicles with high

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vibration levels can be equipped with air-ride seats and other vibration controls. Making
sure that vehicle tires are properly inflated can also reduce WBV. Employees should be
encouraged to grip tools properly and not brace tools or machinery against their bodies
when using power tools or heavy machinery. They should also take vibration-free
recovery breaks throughout the day.

6.3 Workplace Ergonomics

According to International Ergonomics Association (IEA) 2015, ergonomics is defined as:
‘The scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among

humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles,
data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system
performance’.

Ergonomics is a continuous process designed to create a high level of comfort in the
workplace. There are three broad domains of ergonomics: physical, cognitive, and
organizational as described in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1 Domains of Ergonomics

Domain Definition Relevant Topics
Physical Concerned with human anatomical, Working posture
anthropometric, physiological, and Material handling
biomechanical characteristics as they Repetitive movements
relate to physical activity. Musculoskeletal
This is the ergonomics domain that are Disorders (MSDs)
most concerned with in the workplace Workspace layout
Safety and health
Cognitive Concerned with mental processes, such as mental workload
perception, memory, reasoning, and decision-making
motor response, as they affect interactions skilled performance
among humans and other elements of a human-computer
system. interaction
human reliability
Organizational Concerned with the optimization of work stress
sociotechnical systems, including their training
organizational structures, policies, and communication
processes. crew resource
management
work design

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Domain Definition Relevant Topics
design of working times
teamwork
participatory design
community ergonomics
cooperative work
new work paradigms
virtual organizations
telework
quality management

6.3.1 Principles of Ergonomics

Many employees suffer from work related disorders and injuries due to their work conditions
and its incompatibility with their needs, abilities, and limitations. This situation affects their
safety, health, and welfare, as well as that of organizations and societies. Ergonomics principle
must be implemented at the workplace within organization, jobs, products, task, and
environment to minimize the effects work related disorders and injuries as shown in Figure
6.1.

Figure 6.1 Implementation of Ergonomics in Workplace
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Manual Handling in

Workplace, 2018

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The ergonomics principle are as follows:

1. Retain any joints at neutral position
Neutral postures are postures where the body is aligned and balanced while either sitting
or standing, placing minimal stress on the body, and keeping joints aligned. Neutral
postures minimize the stress applied to muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones and allows
for maximum control and force production.
The opposite of a neutral posture is an ‘awkward posture.’ Awkward postures move
away from the neutral posture toward the extremes in range of motion. This puts more
stress on the employee’s musculoskeletal system, and it could contribute to
musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

2. Work in comfort zone
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mid- thigh and mid-chest height.
This zone is where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort.
Working from the comfort (power or handshake) zone ensures working from proper
heights and reaches, which will reduce MSD risks factors and allows for more efficient and
pain-free work.

3. Allow for movement
Stretching reduces fatigue, improves muscular balance and posture, and improve muscle
coordination. Everyone is an athlete in life, there is a need to prepare the body for work
by warming up to improve performance and lower injury risk. A warm-up stretching
regimen is a great way to prepare the body for work. It is also beneficial to take periodic
stretch breaks over the course of workday to get the blood moving and restore the energy.

4. Reduce excessive force
Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in
response to high force requirements which increases fatigue and risk of an MSD. There
are numerous conditions that affect force, but the idea is to recognize when a job or task
requires excessive force and then find ways to reduce that force. Eliminating excessive
force requirements will reduce employee fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most

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employees. Using mechanical assists, counterbalance systems, adjustable height lift
tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort
and muscle exertions.

5. Reduce excessive motions and reaches
Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature and are frequently controlled by
hourly or daily production targets and work processes. High task repetition, when
combined with other risks factors such high force and/or awkward postures, can
contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time
is 30 seconds or less. Excessive or unnecessary motions should be reduced if possible. In
situations where is unlikely to reduce excessive motions and reaches, it is important to
eliminate excessive force requirements and awkward posture. Other control methods to
consider are job enlargement, job rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.

6. Reduce contact stress
Contact stress results from continuous contact or rubbing between hard or sharp
objects/surfaces and sensitive body tissue, such as soft tissue of the fingers, palms, thighs,
and feet. It creates localized pressure for a small area of the body, which can inhibit blood,
nerve function, or movement of tendons and muscles. Examples of contact stress include
resting wrists on the sharp edge of a desk or workstation while performing tasks, pressing
of tool handles into the palms, especially when they cannot be put down, tasks that
require hand hammering, and sitting without adequate space for the knees.

7. Avoid excessive vibration
Multiple studies have shown that regular and frequent exposure to vibration can lead to
permanent adverse health effects, which are most likely to occur when contact with a
vibrating tool or work process is a regular and significant part of a person’s job. Hand-arm
vibration can cause a range of conditions known as Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
as well as specific diseases such as white finger or Raynaud’s syndrome, carpal tunnel
syndrome or tendinitis. Vibration syndrome has adverse circulatory and neural effects in
the fingers. The signs and symptoms include numbness, pain, and blanching (turning pale
and ashen).

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8. Provide adequate lighting
Poor lighting is a common problem in the workplace that can affect an employee’s
comfort level and performance. Too much or too little light makes work difficult. Dimly lit
work areas and glare can cause eye fatigue and headaches and improperly lit areas put
employees at greater risk for all types of injuries. At a computer workstation, take steps
to control screen glare, and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front of a window
or a bright background.

9. Avoid extreme temperature and noise
Extreme temperatures can place physiological on the individual. The temperatures in the
workplace should be controlled at the appropriate level to maintain thermal comfort. The
purpose of controlling noise is to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Employer should
consider whether noise might interfere with employee safety the workplace. Exposure to
high level of noise can also cause stress.

10. Use transport accessories and automation
There are large numbers of accessories, such as roller conveyors, conveyor belts, trolley
and mobile raising platforms, which eliminate manual handling. Automation helps to
improve the working conditions and remove most MSD risk factors.

The goal of applied ergonomics is to increase levels of work efficiency and effectiveness or
any related activity. Ergonomic also aims to increase positive human values such as increased
safety, reduce fatigue and stress, increased work comfortability and increased quality of work
and life in general.

6.3.2 Principles of Seating in the Workstation

Employer must ensure that the workplace is well-designed for the safety and health, as well
as the welfare of the person at work and must minimize the risks in Visible Display Unit (VDU)
work.

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The Guideline on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2003 states the basic
requirements for work seating. Sitting should:

support a worker in a position in which worker can work comfortably and efficiently.
allow a worker to change position easily and without losing support.
not press uncomfortably on the buttocks or thighs.
cater for any special needs of, for example, very tall or short workers, or those who are
disabled. In some cases, special seating may be required.
suit the workstation, including the height of the work surface and the layout of furniture
and equipment.

Design of Seating
The design of sitting must take into consideration a few of anthropometry principles.
Anthropometry refers to the physical measurement of human’s size, forms, and functional
capacities. The differences in body size of potential user must be considered in the design of
sitting workplaces, accessories, and suchlike. The seating design must consider the comfort
of employee and be thoroughly constructed and reliable in use. Design that are incompatible
with normal anthropometric measurements of a workforce may result in unwanted accidents.
Figures 6.2 and 6.3 illustrate the design guidance for a typical chair suitable for many work
situations.

Figure 6.2 Seat Adjustability

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Figure 6.3 Seat Dimensions
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002

6.3.3 Seating and Workstation Layout

People are required to sit in most work activities. Awkward posture could be adopted because
of unsuitable sitting which can lead to discomfort, back pain, and disorders. It could result in
cost inefficiency as there will be absenteeism, potential common claims, and loss of
production. Employees would also suffer because illness and loss of wages.
The following are examples of seating and workstation layout as stated in the Guidelines on
Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002.
1. Machinery Work
The workstation should be arranged in the means of employees can sit, or if necessary, stand
and carry out their tasks in a comfortable position when operating or monitoring machinery.
Some form of seating should be provided wherever possible as in some situation it may not
be practical to use a standard chair. The designs that are suitable for machinery work shown
in Figure 6.4 includes:
1. Lean-on or sit-stand seat
2. Wheeled, sliding or suspended seat
3. Fixed seats (swing-out/flap-down/foldaway)

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Figure 6.4 Seating Design for Machinery Work
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002
2. Process or Assembly Work
The work should be arranged in semi-circle around the employee if the job involves a
sequence of tasks as shown in Figure 6.5. A swivel chair can be provided so that all point inside
the semi-circle is reachable from the sitting position. Work will be more efficient where
turntables, jigs and holders are placed within reach. It is best to use seats with a forward tilt
and backrest as it can give support for reaching tasks. Using a slightly sloping work surface or
sloping component tray can give users support and comfort.

Figure 6.5 Seating Design for Process or Assembly Work
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002

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3. Precision Work
This kind of work requires focus, and anyone involves with precision work tends to lean
forward and adopt a tense posture. To help improve the situation, seats with an adjustable
supportive backrest and forward tilt, or a work surface which slopes towards the user is highly
recommended as shown in Figure 6.6.

Figure 6.6 Seating Design for Precision Work
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002
4. Keyboard Work
Seating should be adjustable to enable the hands to work at elbow height. Legs space should
be enough to fit easily under the work area. Armrest should not block user from getting near
to the workstation and the equipment. Discomfort can be reduced by using high adjustable
backrest by allowing the back and shoulder to relax between breaks. Figure 6.7 illustrate the
seating design for keyboard work.

Figure 6.7 Seating Design for Keyboard Work
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002

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5. Checkouts Counter
Checkout counters involve various task which must be carried out in very limited space area.
It is important to have proper planning in the design of the working area as most of the work
requires frequent tasks kept within reach and close to the task without anything pressing on
the user leg. One of the most viable solution is to choose a compact seat with an adjustable
backrest. An example of good checkout counters chair is shown in Figure 6.8.

Figure 6.8 Example of a Checkout Counters Chairs
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002
6. Laboratory/Microscope Workstation
It this field of work, it is important to adopt a correct, ergonomic posture as looking through
a microscope requires holding the bodies in an unnaturally rigid position. The workstation
must fit to the user. Chairs with adjustable height and backrest support are best to maintain
the bodies a in natural position. The use of specially designed microscope benches is ideal for
comfort and to improve the working posture. Figure 6.9 illustrates an example of microscope
workstation.

Figure 6.9 Microscope Workstation
Source: Adapted from Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Seating at Work, 2002

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Sample Questions

1. Define ergonomics and workplace environment.
2. List the FOUR (4) factors needed to be considered for a healthy working environment.
3. State the TEN (10) principles of ergonomics.
4. Discuss the benefits of ergonomics.
5. Explain the basic requirements for work seating.



eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering vii

References

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Crump, J. (2021, February 11). Cold stress: How to address this risk for employees.
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https://www.workplacetesting.com/cold-stress-how-to-address-this-risk-for
employees / 2/5510.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2003). Guidelines On Occupational
Safety and Health for Seating at Work.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2003). Guidelines On Occupational
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Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2006). Guidelines On OSHA 1994.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (2008). Guideline for Hazard
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Dept. of Standards Malaysia, Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems -
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Domadi, M. K., & Koo, K. E. (2020). OFPS Occupational Safety and Health (Second
Edition). Fajar Bakti.

viii eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering

Fire basics. Adams Fire Department - Alert Hose Co. No. 1. (n.d.). Retrieved
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Fire emergency evacuation plan and the fire procedure. Fire Emergency Evacuation
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2021, from https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-emergency-evacuation-plan-or-fire-
procedure/.

Firepro Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2021, from
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Heat stress. Heat Stress | Environmental Health and Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved
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[email protected]. (2020, August 25). 4 steps to control fire
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control-fire-hazards-in-your-workplace/.

Manaf, S. R. B. (n.d.). Dosh Profile. free statistics. Retrieved September 18, 2021,
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2). Retrieved September 26, 2021, from https://www.vectorsolutions.com/
resources/blogs/understanding-the-importance-of-emergency-exit-routes/.

eBook PSP | Occupational Safety and Health for Engineering ix

WorkplaceTesting. (2018, May 22). What is whole body vibration (WBV)? - definition
from workplacetesting. WorkPlaceTesting.com. Retrieved November 16, 2021,
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WorkplaceTesting. (2018, May 30). What is segmental vibration? - definition from
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https://www.workplacetesting.com/definition/2201/accident-causation.

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